Meditation in the Heart
according to
Clara Codd
Saint Teresa's prayer is based upon the truth that God who is everywhere in a special way within our soul, which is His dwelling-place. It consists in gathering together all the powers of the soul, and entering this interior world with God. St. Augustine tells us that he sought God in many places and at last found Him within himself. "I sought Thee without and Thou wast in the midst of my heart."
As a Catholic writer, the Rev. E. Hoare, phrases it: "It is of the utmost importance for us to bear in mind that our Lord is within us, and that we ought to be there with Him." Meditation in the heart is much better than using the head too much. Picture a shrine of golden light just in front of the physical heart level. Picture the Master standing therein and yourself kneeling before him. Put yourself into your own thought-creation.
St. Teresa in the Way of Perfection says: "Begin by fixing this truth in your mind that there is within you a palace of surpassing splendor . . . for no building can be compared in beauty and magnificence with a soul that is pure and filled with virtues. In the midst of this palace dwells the great King who deigns to be your constant guest, and here He sits upon a throne of priceless value, and this throne is your own heart. But here comes the great point of all. We on our part must have a full and hearty determination to make over to Him entirely this interior palace. He will never give Himself entirely to us, until we have given ourselves entirely to Him."
Think of the Divine Life or the Master dwelling in your heart, and speak to Him there, and, if you will, let your mind cease from its activity for a little while and simply contemplate the Divine Guest.
Previous Article - Next Article
As a Catholic writer, the Rev. E. Hoare, phrases it: "It is of the utmost importance for us to bear in mind that our Lord is within us, and that we ought to be there with Him." Meditation in the heart is much better than using the head too much. Picture a shrine of golden light just in front of the physical heart level. Picture the Master standing therein and yourself kneeling before him. Put yourself into your own thought-creation.
St. Teresa in the Way of Perfection says: "Begin by fixing this truth in your mind that there is within you a palace of surpassing splendor . . . for no building can be compared in beauty and magnificence with a soul that is pure and filled with virtues. In the midst of this palace dwells the great King who deigns to be your constant guest, and here He sits upon a throne of priceless value, and this throne is your own heart. But here comes the great point of all. We on our part must have a full and hearty determination to make over to Him entirely this interior palace. He will never give Himself entirely to us, until we have given ourselves entirely to Him."
Think of the Divine Life or the Master dwelling in your heart, and speak to Him there, and, if you will, let your mind cease from its activity for a little while and simply contemplate the Divine Guest.
Previous Article - Next Article